SPY vs XDAT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Franklin Exponential Data ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XDAT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +5.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +3.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +14.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | -0.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 24.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -54.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 12, 2021 |
SPY vs XDAT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while XDAT returned +3.84%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 5.54% for XDAT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +14.07% for XDAT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and -0.75% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XDAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.3% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -54.9% for XDAT. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XDAT charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $50 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for XDAT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XDAT share 29 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XDAT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XDAT charges 0.50%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XDAT?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +3.84% for XDAT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +1.41% for XDAT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XDAT?
XDAT has been the more volatile fund at 24.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XDAT -54.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and XDAT?
SPY and XDAT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XDAT?
SPY and XDAT share 29 common holdings with a 14.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XDAT?
SPY yields 1.01% while XDAT yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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